Floro, 61, was unveiled during a press conference in Toronto, as the Canadian national team made a huge statement of intent moving forward. Remember, Canada has not qualified for a World Cup since 1986 and their last big achievement was winning the Gold Cup in 2000.

He succeeds Stephen Hart, who left in October following the team’s humiliating exit from World Cup qualifying. The Canadian men’s team is ranked 88th by FIFA.

Floro coached Spanish giants Real Madrid from 1992 to 1994. He most recently coached WAC in Morocco but previously took charge of Villarreal, Sporting Gijon, Real Mallorca in Spain and Mexican side Monterrey.

The Canadian Soccer Association said it is “thrilled” to have “such an accomplished soccer mind” running the team. And in a rather unusual twist, Floro will be assisted by son Antonio Floro Esteve.

Interim head coach Colin Miller will take charge of Canada’s Gold Cup charge, before Floro takes charge later this month. However the Spaniard has got his work cut out to turn the Canuck’s into World Cup contenders.

But it is achievable.

Canada’s squad have definitely underachieved, winning just one of their last eight games and failing to reach the final stage of World Cup qualifying for the second straight time.

However the players coming through the ranks will give Floro hope that he can turn the nation’s fortunes around. But does his appointment spell the end for veterans Julian de Guzman and Dwayne De Rosario?

Obviously those two, along with Atiba Hutchinson, deserve to be part of a new setup that could flourish. But in my mind Floro needs to try and nurture the top young talent his possesses and mold a new way of playing that will suit Canada’s skillful individuals.

If you look through the Canadian roster, they are stacked with players who have vast experience playing in some of Europe’s top leagues. But Floro needs to nurture the talents of the younger guys, the likes of Jonathan Osorio, Ashtone Morgan and Russel Teibert if a new look Canada will emerge under his leadership.

Osorio, Morgan and Teibert are all Canadian and all play in Canada. They should become the heart and soul of a new look team.

Floro will undoubtedly watch on with great intrigue this summer as a young Canadian squad aim for glory at the Gold Cup.

Whether or not that achieve that isn’t of great importance any more. It seems as though, finally, a bright future is on the horizon for Canadian soccer.